Seller guide
Condition Grades
Explained
Honest condition grading builds buyer trust and reduces disputes. Use the descriptions below to accurately rate your camera body, lens, or accessory. When in doubt, grade down — buyers always appreciate it.
New
Unused · Still sealed or box-fresh
Brand new, never used. Either factory sealed or opened only to verify contents. No signs of use whatsoever.
- Original box, packaging, caps, straps, and papers included
- No scratches, marks, or dust on any surface
- Sensor / rear element pristine — never exposed to a body or lens
- Shutter count: 0 (bodies)
Like New
Used very lightly · Indistinguishable from new
Shows no meaningful signs of use. Used only a handful of times, stored carefully, and maintained to a high standard.
- No scratches visible under normal inspection
- Glass elements clean — no fungus, haze, or cleaning marks
- All dials, rings, and buttons operate perfectly
- May not include original box
- Low shutter count (under 2,000 for bodies)
Excellent
Lightly used · Clean with minor cosmetic marks
Well cared for with light use. Any cosmetic wear is minor and does not affect optical or mechanical performance.
- Possible light paint wear on edges or grip areas
- Glass clean — no fungus, haze, or internal dust that affects images
- Minor fine scratches on body or filter threads only
- All functions operate correctly
- This is the most common grade for used pro gear
Good
Regularly used · Visible wear, fully functional
Shows normal signs of regular use. Cosmetic wear is visible but the item is optically and mechanically sound.
- Visible scratches or brassing on body — no deep gouges
- Rubber grip may show wear or slight lift at edges
- Glass clean — possibly minor internal dust (does not affect images)
- All controls and autofocus work correctly
- Great value option for working photographers
Fair
Heavy use · Functional with notable wear
Has seen significant use or some knocks. Works correctly but cosmetic wear is obvious. Disclose any issues clearly in the description.
- Dents, deep scratches, or significant paint loss
- Possible minor internal dust or very slight haze in lenses
- All core functions work — autofocus, exposure, image stabilisation
- May have had non-manufacturer service or repair
- Ideal for buyers who prioritise function over cosmetics
Used
Well worn · Describe any issues honestly
Shows clear signs of heavy use. May have cosmetic or functional quirks that must be disclosed in the listing description. Still usable.
- Significant cosmetic wear throughout
- May have minor functional quirks — e.g. stiff zoom ring, slightly slow AF
- Glass may have minor dust or slight coating wear (describe specifically)
- Full disclosure required — buyers rely on your description
As Is
Known defect or untested · Full disclosure required
Has a known fault, has not been tested, or is sold for parts/repair only. Must be described in full detail. No returns implied.
- Examples: fungus in glass, sticky aperture blades, dead pixels on sensor
- Shutter failure, broken AF motor, cracked rear element
- Untested after storage or inheritance
- List every known issue in the description — this protects you as the seller
- Price accordingly — As Is items sell best when priced for repair cost
💡 Seller tips
Be honest, not pessimistic. A well-cared-for lens that has a tiny dust speck inside is still Excellent — not Fair. Dust inside lenses is extremely common and rarely affects images.
Photograph what you describe. If you list Good, show the scratches. Buyers who receive exactly what they expected leave positive reviews.
Check glass in raking light. Hold the lens at an angle to a bright window and look through it. This reveals cleaning marks, haze, and fungus that flat-on inspection misses.
State the shutter count for camera bodies — it's the single most useful data point for buyers evaluating a body.